TeleClient MC3000

Based on the National Semiconductor Geode chip set, the TeleVideo TeleClient MC3000 wireless thin client ($1,000 street) is light (3.5 pounds) and easy to hold. The MC3000 is cleanly designed, with no protruding parts; unlike in the Neoware unit, the wireless network card is integrated internally. The corners and edges are covered with a rubber-like material for a better grip.

The unit we tested came installed with only the Windows CE kernel with some configuration utilities. Internet Explorer and thin-client programs are the only software. The MC3000 has both ICA and RDP clients, plus a telnet client for Unix folks. This approach is appropriate for environments where you want to expose only the necessary applications to users. The MC3000 is also available with the full version of Windows CE.

Performance on our test network was similar to that of the Voyager. Typing text is less of a problem than with the Neoware entry, thanks to the MC3000's large on-screen keyboard. You can even touch-type fairly accurately on the touch screen. The virtual keyboard can be reduced in size to reveal the application under it. Like the Voyager, the MC3000 also accommodates a USB keyboard.

Alas, the smallish 10.4-inch LCD is capable of only 800-by-600 resolution and 16-bit color. Still, the device is a simple, elegant, and affordable solution for active and mobile users.

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